Bangladeshi far-right group Khelafat Majlish plans to stage a mass march to the Indian Embassy in Dhaka to protest against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act by the Indian Parliament. The outfit's leader, Maulana Mamunul Haque, claims that the Act aims to illegally acquire Muslim-owned lands for the construction of religious structures by giving them legal backing. This move has sparked outrage among Muslims in India, who see it as an interference in their religious rights. Meanwhile, the Indian government has condemned the recent spate of violent attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of persecution under the country's interim administration.
The BJP has launched a sharp attack on Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan for purportedly ignoring the chaos and destruction in Murshidabad district during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. As violent clashes and attacks on Hindus continue to escalate, the opposition party has accused Pathan of sipping tea and enjoying the moment while his constituents suffer. Despite Pathan's sweeping victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his party has accused him of insensitivity and has called for accountability from the MP.
After violent clashes in Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act, the Calcutta High Court has ordered for the deployment of central forces in not just that district but also in other areas where such incidents occur. The court criticized the current state government led by Mamata Banerjee for their delayed response and deemed the situation "grave and volatile". Bengal continues to be tense as additional security measures are put in place and a report from the state government is expected on April 17.
Amidst heightened tensions, Nepal has finally lifted the curfew in the Baneshwar-Tinkune stretch and surrounding areas following Friday's violent clashes between security personnel and pro-monarchy protesters. The protests, which resulted in deaths, arrests, and property damage, have led to a decline in public support for the royalists. With more arrests expected and divisions within the pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy groups, the Nepal Home Ministry is determined to contain any further disruptions.
On Friday, tensions rose in the eastern part of Kathmandu as pro-monarchy protesters clashed with security personnel, leaving two people dead. The curfew imposed in the area has been lifted on Saturday as calm returns to the city. At least 105 people have been arrested for their involvement in the violent demonstration, as protesters demand the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu kingdom. Durga Prasai, the leader of the agitation and the main culprit behind the violence, is currently at large.
A small dispute over a hand pump in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district turned deadly after two groups engaged in a violent clash resulting in the death of a 35-year-old man. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Police are currently investigating the incident and attempting to identify and arrest the perpetrators involved in the senseless violence.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has described the recent clashes in Nagpur as a planned conspiracy, with rumors playing a major role in the escalation of tensions. The violence broke out during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the removal of a grave. Fadnavis has condemned the attack on police and called for swift action against those responsible for spreading false information. The incident has reignited debates about the role of social media in inciting violence and the importance of addressing rumors in maintaining law and order.
A protest by a right-wing outfit turned violent in Nagpur as two groups clashed over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged people to maintain law and order, while Congress leader Pawan Khera has questioned the situation in a city known for its peaceful history. With curfew imposed and strict action promised against the perpetrators, the incident has sparked debates about communal harmony and political agendas.
Following a right-wing protest, rumors of Quran burning sparked violent clashes in Nagpur, injuring four people and causing widespread chaos and destruction. Politicians and leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, have appealed for calm and denounced the false rumors. BJP MLA Pravin Datke has alleged that the violence was instigated by outsiders, and security forces have been deployed to contain the situation.
Abu Qatal, also known as Faisal Nadeem, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed and wanted for his role in multiple attacks in India, was killed in a violent encounter in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He was a highly sought-after target for Indian security agencies, particularly for his involvement in the 2023 Rajouri attack and the 2024 Reasi bus attack, both in Jammu and Kashmir. Qatal's death is a major blow to terrorist activities in the region and a significant win for India's efforts to combat terror.